Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented today on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly from April through November.
“October temperatures continue to be unseasonably warm, which have been beneficial for widespread dry-down in the fields,” said Secretary Naig. “Recent rainfall has slowed down fieldwork across portions of the state, but it is helpful in replenishing some subsoil moisture. Looking ahead, rain continues to be in the forecast over the next several days.”
The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.
Crop Report
Scattered precipitation slowed harvest in some areas, but statewide Iowa’s farmers had 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending October 10, 2021, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included harvesting soybeans and corn, fall tillage and applying fertilizer.
Topsoil moisture levels rated 12 percent very short, 31 percent short, 55 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 18 percent very short, 36 percent short, 45 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.
Ninety-five percent of the corn crop has reached maturity, 8 days ahead of the 5-year average. Close to onethird of corn for grain has been harvested at 30 percent complete statewide, also 8 days ahead of normal. Moisture content of field corn being harvested for grain was 19 percent. Iowa’s corn condition rated 62 percent good to excellent.
Soybeans dropping leaves or beyond reached 96 percent, one week ahead of normal. More than half of Iowa’s soybean crop has been harvested at 56 percent, 9 days ahead of the five-year average. Soybean condition was rated 63 percent good to excellent.
Pasture condition rated 32 percent good to excellent. Overall, livestock were faring well, although conditions varied with some reports of muddy feedlots but also water shortage issues for cattle on pasture.